The new trio album, Transformation (Magnatude), represents a turning point for the band. Original compositions fill just over half the album along with new arrangements of tunes by Judas Priest, Pink Floyd, Deep Purple, and more. There is some new sonic territory in the covers; from the fiery Middle Eastern section in Deep Purple’s “Highway Star,” to the Latin acoustic flavor of Dio’s ‘Don’t Talk To Strangers.’ Similarly, the originals cover a wide range of styles: from Alex’s ethereal ballad ‘Fear Of Flying,’ to the surf/blues of ‘Both Feet In’ (penned by drummer Matt Zebroski) and Alex’s creative composition and title track, ‘Transformation,’ which combines a driving rock beat with jazz harmony, a rock guitar solo section and a haunting, catchy melody sung by all three members. This melody is enhanced by the cello of special guest Dave Eggar (who has recently played with such jazz greats as Michael Brecker and Dianne Reeves). Another special guest, Grammy nominee Charlie Hunter, comes aboard on his 8-string guitar/bass hybrid for Alex’s funk/jazz composition, Scorch.